BSc Accounting and Finance programme testimonials

Student View: Charlotte Grainger, current third year student

I have throughly enjoyed the Accounting and Finance Programme over the last 3 years. I have developed essential skills and knowledge to prepare me for my ideal future career in the Accounting profession.

From here I am hoping to obtain a ICAEW ACA Training Vacancy to become a Chartered Accountant. The case study module has been exceptional in proving me with the information I need to pursue this, through the many guest speakers that have come to give advice and guidance.

I chose Chester University due to the success of the Accounting and Finance Course in the past, the job roles graduates have obtained after leaving University and the industry knowledge all of the tutors have had before becoming tutors.

My greatest success to date in Chester University is receiving a CV revamp through CIMA that was awarded to me from Level 6 tutors. This made me feel proud that my efforts had been noticed.

The Accounting and Finance exemptions I will gain from completing this degree are unrivalled and extremely valuable to pursue my career with ICAEW. They relieve the pressure of future professional exams and have given me a great head start into my career.

Attending the Accounting and Finance Degree at the University of Chester has been the best 3 years of my life. The skills and knowledge I have gained are invaluable for my future career and has been the best base I could have asked for. Each and every tutor that has taught me has been exceptional and incredibly helpful. Thank you University of Chester for making my experience so incredible.

Student View: Raphael Ametepe, 2015 GraduateExchange & now a Trader/Derivative Analyst at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Chester

In his early twenties, Ghanaian-born Raphael came to the UK and was soon serving as a private with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who were then based in the Dale Barracks in Chester. Over four and a half years, he undertook two tours of duty in Afghanistan, two in Kenya and was also based in Cyprus. On his return to the UK, Raphael decided to settle in Chester and to come to the University here.

“I felt it was time for a change and I chose a degree in Accounting and Finance because I wanted to play to my strengths. It was good for me to do something that I could build on and which would be beneficial to me after University, putting me in good stead for future job prospects.

“I am competitive and I wanted to do a course that challenged me. I was also motivated as I had received a scholarship from SSAFA, the armed forces charity, which was based on my academic performance so I had to keep my grades up to make sure I had my fees paid!” Read more on Rapael here.

Student View: Chandar Lal

Studying at Chester has been a great experience for me over the past three years. One of the big attractions about Chester for me was the choice and flexibility afforded to undergraduates to explore interests in a variety of different modules over the course of three years. The lecturers are very friendly and helpful, always there for students. They link theory with practical examples from their own professional experience. This learning method had helped me when preparing for exams and professional life. Overall it's a vibrant and welcoming university and always there to help students.

Chandar Lal graduated 2014 (first class hons.) studying ICAEW

Student View: Adam Hewett

The BSc Accounting & Finance program at Chester University really enabled me to get a full understanding of the sector and of business in general. The program was interesting with optional modules in the final year to enable you to choose which path you wanted to go down once you understand the different paths in the profession. The teaching staff directly attributable to the program are of a high standard and support any of your needs whilst on the course which I found greatly helpful.

They are easy to speak to and allow you to express any views you have. Also if you are finding something difficult they are always willing to help. This course has helped me get a job in the field which I wanted and has given me more knowledge about the industry than if I just did chartered exams. It has also cut the time it takes to become chartered. I am greatly thankful to the university and the lecturers for their help and support.”

Adam Hewett graduated 2013

(first class hons.) public sector graduate programme studying CIMA

Student View: Sarah Edwards

My degree certainly helped me decide that I wanted to work in finance. Also gaining a professional accounting qualification is really something I want to achieve. My current role has a career path where in 3 years I will have the necessary experience and skills to gain my qualification.

Student View: Kate Flood

“The University of Chester provided me with a diverse and friendly learning platform on which I could build my future. The academic teaching staff were exceptional and there for me every step of the way. The support and teaching that I received from the University enabled me to achieve a first class honours degree and I have now secured the job of my dreams. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and achieved something to be proud of. I now work for one of world’s most successful professional services firms and I am well on my way to achieving the ACA professional qualification. The University of Chester can open doors to a bigger and brighter future – I know because it happened to me! “

Student View: Jessica Smith

I am an Accountancy and Finance Graduate (the first year to study this degree at Chester) and despite this, the teachers and resources available for us were excellent throughout my 3 years at the University.

Chester University, from day one throughout my entire degree, was such an enjoyable place to attend during my higher education. Every tutor who taught me, was extremely supportive and understanding to our whole classes individual learning styles and our other commitments outside of study. Although relaxed and informal, teaching styles were varied, and activities and discussions provided the back bone of our lectures and seminars.

Constant support and mentoring was provided, and I never felt pressured or worried about deadlines or exams as we were all fully prepared and guided through each level of study. Being a mostly exam based degree, support during these stressful few months was outstanding, and each of us felt confident walking into each exam.

I believe my small group, which allowed for personal one to one teaching, alongside my close relationship with my programme leader Helen Hayes, and my PAT Helen Clayfield, both were the significant contributors in the final level of a degree I achieved, a 1st class.

I now work as a Finance Manager for a Hotel Company called Mercure, owned by Jupiter Hotels, which was only possible through the required work experience undertaken in my 2nd year of my degree. After this work experience, I was offered the position as Financial Administrator to which I have now been promoted.

Every module studied in my degree, relates to my career now, especially Financial Accounting and Management Accounting, requiring me to use my knowledge gained in this extremely industry relevant degree, in the workplace daily.